July 18, 2003 – US nut growers will be the first to take advantage of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) loosening of labeling rules, as their packaging will now be able to label nuts as “good for.” the heart “.
The FDA recently announced that it is relaxing the rules governing health benefits that may or may not be associated with different products (see the article from PasseportSanté.net on this subject, dated July 14, 2003). The new rules don’t come into effect until September 1, but nut growers have received early approval because they submitted their “evidence” last fall.
Henceforth, therefore, American consumers will be able to read on the packaging of certain nuts that “Scientific research indicates, but does not prove that the daily consumption of 1.5 ounces of nuts [environ 4 grammes] along with a diet low in fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease ”(free translation of English text).
For now, only almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and peanuts (which are more like seeds) can thus be announced, since they contain polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat and can therefore contribute to good cardiovascular health. . Other nuts may also receive FDA approval, as the industry is able to provide the required evidence.
In contrast, the FDA has ruled that other nuts, such as macadamia nuts, contain too much saturated fat. Products sprinkled with nuts, such as cakes or ice cream, are also not eligible.
Consumer advocacy groups believe the relaxed regulation will only confuse and question whether, in the case of nuts, consumers will clearly understand that the benefits have not been scientifically proven.
Next product on the FDA list: fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a substance that also contributes to heart health. To be continued!
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to CNN.com; July 17, 2003.